Traditions nurture the culture of our homes and create a strong family identity, which research suggests plays a large role in children’s mental health and resilience. Many of us inherent traditions from our family of origin—a quirky birthday song, a favorite cookie recipe, the family reunion Olympic games. Sometimes we look to friends, social media and Pinterest (blast that Elf on the Shelf!), or form traditions on our own. One of our family’s favorite resources is the KC Parent calendar, listing local merrymaking rituals, from Nutcracker teas to lighting displays, by date.
Because many of us crave the comfort of tradition more in the midwinter months than in any other season, I’m dedicating this month’s column to sharing some of our own family’s beloved traditions which, like white elephant gifts, have mostly been repurposed and pilfered from others. Please feel free to bring these traditions home and add your own unique twists, meaningful touches and shiny packaging—traditions are even better when passed along, repackaged and shared.
Unwrapping Books by the Tree: Over the years, we’ve added new children’s books to the basket full of good reads we keep beside the tree full. Even though my kids are now in middle school, they still love to unwrap these stories, snuggle up and read by the Christmas tree lights. Some of our favorites: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry, The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola, and ’Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist.
Gingerbread Witch Houses: Loaded with extra frosting and heaps of candy, we use the gingerbread house kits from Trader Joe’s, complete with Hansel, Gretel and a gingerbread witch, to decorate fairytale cottages. And of course, we read Jan Brett’s Gingerbread Baby while indulging on broken candy canes.
Luminary Walk: The Arboretum Luminary Walk is a beloved holiday tradition with our neighbors. When our kids were smaller, my husband wore a train conductor’s hat, handed each child a jingle bell (only kids could hear its magical ring), and loaded the kids in the minivan turned Polar Express. All aboard! En route, the caravan packed with pajama-clad kids in downy coats would detour for some hot chocolate before we arrived at the arboretum (a.k.a. the North Pole).
Bethlehem Supper: To remember the true meaning of Christmas, our family has a “Bethlehem Supper” full of Middle Eastern fare on Christmas Eve. Dates, figs, hummus, flatbread, grapes, goat cheese, falafel and olives are among our favorite treats.
Kids Caroling on the Stairs: On Christmas morning, our kids cannot go downstairs until the empty manger on our landing—from the Nativity scene in our front yard—holds baby Jesus. To hasten his presence, the kids sit atop the stairs outside our bedroom door, ringing bells and singing Christmas carols to wake their snoozing parents.
Wendy Connelly, M.Div., is a podcaster (MoJo For Moms podcast), life coach and mother of two from Overland Park. You can find Wendy’s latest podcasts, speaking events, media appearances and more at MoJoForMoms.com.